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I guessing that you're having trouble changing from one gear setting to another. If that is it, install a chuck onto the headstock spindle and while trying to change gears use your other hand to spin the chuck. The gears aren't like on a synchromesh transmission and you need to help the 'change' a bit by spinning the spindle until they mesh correctly. I have the same problem on my Jet 14 X 40 lathe.

Thanks I got it figured out I guess the previous owner never changed gears I had to smack them with my brass hammer near the shaft. I oiled up they shaft the levers ride on and now they slide freely. Thanks

Well....you might have opened a can of worms there. Depends upon what you consider a good chuck and the amount you are looking to invest in one. I don't know what style chuck mount your lathe uses (screw thread, A taper, D taper pin, L taper, etc.), but Bison (Polish manufacturer) makes a great chuck. Not cheap and probably more than you would want to spend on a small lathe. Look on eBay to see what is available as a 4-jaw chuck weathers the storm far better than what abuse will do to a 3-jaw...so a nice looking used one will work fine.

Enco just had a one day 30% off sale that you missed. CDCO is cheap...can't say what the quality of their stuff would be like, but again with a 4-jaw you aren't going to have to worry much as long as the chuck holds what you need held.http://www.cdcotools.com/

EDIT: Another couple of sources. I've only dealt with Plaza, but the owner is honest and if he has what you need the price is usually good for a used American made chuck...just download his list from the link

You can never have too many chucks. I have 8 for just one lathe. Different sized 3 and 4 jaws plus a collett chuck. I have a huge rusty 4 jaw that i love for bigger work and it fits the bill perfect. And i have a junk 3 jaw for crusty work that i don't want to chuck in a good chuck until the part is cleaned up. And i can make parts in batches of 8 just leave the part in the chuck and swap it for another one saving some set up time...Bob